Corcovado National Park
Corcovado has been cited by National Geographic as "one of the most biologically intense places on earth" and our guided tours of the park are sure to prove them right. Our bilingual resident guides are the best Costa Rica has to offer. They are friendly and well versed about local flora and fauna and everyone will return from this tour with fascinating facts and with knowledge of the history of the area.
Corcovado National Park, the largest and most important of the parks on the Osa Peninsula, protects one of the most significant stands of virgin rainforest in Central America. Being in Corcovado can be an overwhelming experience; it’s one of the few places left on earth where humans are a minority. You’ll be shocked by the amount of life that exists and the complex relationships between all living creatures on the Osa Peninsula. If you're looking to get closer to nature, Corcovado National Park is the place to be. The Park has four ranger stations, Los Patos, Sirena, San Pedrillo, and La Llorona. You can enter Corcovado National Park from Drake Bay at the Sirena or San Pedrillo Ranger Station, which are both situated north along the Osa Peninsula coastline.
SAN PEDRILLO
Corcovado National Park, also known as the Amazon of Costa Rica, spans over 100,000 acres of virgin and secondary rain forest. A 25 minute boat ride from the Lodge will land you at the northern entrance to the park. Prepare yourself for a wet landing, dry bags are recommended for camera gear! Trails begin along pristine beaches, wind through deep rain forest, and follow riverbeds to magnificent waterfalls and swimming holes. A typical tour consists of two hikes. The two hikes will be separated by a picnic lunch consisting of fresh fruit, sandwiches and dessert. The morning hike is usually a three and a half hour, slow paced hike in search of birds and animals. The afternoon hike is shorter, but includes an ascent to a waterfall where you may take a refreshing swim in the cool water. Please take CAUTION, be aware of your surroundings, stay on the trails, and listen to the guides! Going behind the waterfall is not recommended.
This tour includes transportation to and from the Lodge, national park entrance fee, naturalist guide and a snack. Lunch will be servied upon returning to the lodge. Scarlet macaws, reptiles, sloths, boas and several species of monkeys are creatures that you might see.
SIRENA
Sirena is considered the heart of Corcovado and the largest interior ranger station. Due to its history and location, Sirena biological Station in Corcovado National Park is a keystone for science, education and ecotourism in the region. The extraordinary diversity and concentration of wildlife in the Corcovado Basin, which contains Sirena Ranger Station, means that spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities are liable to present themselves at virtually any time at nearly any part of any trail. None of the animals are hunted, so they do not have much fear of human beings. As a result, tapirs often cool off in nearby mud holes, and herds of peccaries frequently roam with a few hundred meters of the ranger station itself.
Sirena is over a one hour boat ride in a skiff. The coast line is scenic beyond belief. Once you arrive at the beach near the Sirena ranger station you will need reef walkers or sandals to walk to shore as it is rocky. The beach landing can be wild so be quick, alert and listen to your guide. Each trekker will carry lunch and snacks. There will be cold drinks for the end of the hike. The trip is not recommended for the faint of heart. Avid naturalists will enjoy seeing this remote station in Corcovado National Park. This guided tour leaves at 6:00 a.m and does not return until mid-afternoon. Tour requires minimum of four people.
What to Bring
All guests scheduled to go on a tour should meet at the clubhouse at the appropriate time. The tours leave in the early morning hour because that is when wildlife is most abundant. Please be considerate of other guests when planning your morning preparations and give yourself a comfortable amount of time to both get ready and eat breakfast. Tardiness could result in a forfeiture of your tour.
We recommend bringing a water bottle, sarong, swim suit or bathers, sunscreen, insect repellant, hiking boots or sneakers, dry bag and rain gear (during the rainy season). Water shoes are recommended for getting off and on the boat at the park.